Team
Prof. Dr. Pascal Johann, MHBA
Pascal Johann studied medicine at the universities of Tübingen, Bordeaux and Boston. He completed his MD thesis in the laboratory of Professor Ingo Müller (now at the University of Hamburg-Eppendorf) in 2011, which characterised the immunosuppressive properties of mesenchymal stem cells from solid paediatric tumours. He subsequently started a residency in paediatrics at University Hospital Heidelberg, completing his board certification in 2018, followed by subspecialty training in paediatric oncology, which he completed in 2020. In parallel, he undertook two postdoctoral fellowships at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ, Heidelberg), which shaped his interest in paediatric brain tumours and data-based research, leading to his habilitation in 2020. Following his relocation to Augsburg in 2020, he served as an attending physician in the Department of Paediatric Oncology at the University Children’s Hospital. Since 2023, he has been appointed Professor of Experimental Paediatrics.
Marlena Mucha, Ph.D.
Marlena received her BA in Human Genetics from Trinity College Dublin in 2017, after which she pursued a doctorate in the Bracken lab, graduating in 2021. Her PhD research focused on the mechanisms of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2-dependent transcriptional regulation. In January 2023, she joined the Johann lab to study the heterogeneity and development of various pediatric cancers, using both wet and dry lab techniques in her research. Her many hobbies include photography, traveling, painting, and birdwatching.
Victoria Fincke, M.Sc.
Victoria holds bachelor's and master's degrees in biosciences from the universities of Cologne and Münster. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D., focusing on risk stratification and the identification of vulnerabilities in rare pediatric tumors using techniques such as DNA methylation profiling, single-cell analysis, and spatial transcriptomics. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new places, volunteering, and planning her next adventure.
Maria Daniela Hernández Ramírez, M.Sc.
Maria studied biophysics and quantitative molecular biology at Humboldt University in Berlin, focusing on computational biology and machine learning applications in the study of neurodegenerative diseases. She is now pursuing a PhD in the Johann Lab, where she uses bioinformatics techniques to characterize various pediatric cancers at the multi-omic level, with a particular focus on eMRT and AT/RT. Outside of work, she enjoys going to concerts, traveling, and training in taekwondo.
Felix Dorn, TA
Felix trained as a biology laboratory technician in Munich and began working in the Johann lab in July 2022. He specializes in single-cell and spatial transcriptomics preparations, as well as cell culture techniques. In addition to his work, he is studying molecular biology through distance learning at the University of Mainz. Outside of work, he tends to his sourdough starter at home. He also enjoys cycling, growing plants, and pampering his cats.
Lorenz Helmschrott, M.D. candidate
Lorenz has been studying medicine at the University of Augsburg since 2022. His project, which is funded by the Mildred Scheel Program of German Cancer Aid, explores novel treatment strategies for pediatric adrenocortical tumors, with a particular focus on IL13Ra2. Outside of his studies and experiments, Lorenz is passionate about sports, especially soccer, tennis, surfing, and skiing.
Dajana Lobbes, Ph.D.
Dajana studied biology at the University of Potsdam and earned her PhD at the John Innes Center in Norwich, where she investigated the molecular pathways of miRNAs in plants. She has been working as a researcher in the field of molecular biology ever since. Since August 2023, Dajana has been working as a lab technician in the Johann Lab. Outside the lab, Dajana enjoys hiking, reading, and going to the gym.
Maurice Lossner, M.D. candidate
Maurice is a medical student at the University of Augsburg. Outside of his studies, he conducts research on the multi-omic characterization of rare pediatric malignancies with the aim of identifying potential therapeutic vulnerabilities. He enjoys running and cycling in his free time.
Selma Manea, M.D. candidate
Selma is studying medicine at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. In the Johann lab, she focuses on rare brain tumors in infants and young children, particularly those with DICER1 alterations. She also organizes the biweekly tumor board meetings. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, photography, cooking, and baking.
Ylvi Müller, M.D. candidate
Ylvi is a medical student at the University of Augsburg. She is currently investigating the effect of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) on rhabdoid tumor cells. In her free time, she enjoys reading, singing, and playing sports, especially cheerleading.
Rebekka Prim, M.D. candidate
Rebekka is a medical student at the University of Augsburg. She is currently working on her dissertation, which focuses on the radiosensitivity of a specific type of ovarian cancer. To this end, she is conducting in vitro radiation experiments. Outside of the lab and her medical classes, Rebekka enjoys sports—especially swimming, cycling, and running—as she prepares for the upcoming triathlon season.
Svenja Steinhauser, M.D. candidate
Svenja has been studying medicine at the University of Augsburg since the fall of 2019. For her doctoral dissertation, she is investigating the effect of radiation on epithelioid sarcoma in vitro. In addition to her medical studies and doctoral research, she enjoys playing handball and participating in various mountain sports.